Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Challenges Trump’s Deportation Plans: ‘I’ll Go To Jail If Needed

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, has made it clear that he is ready to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations of migrants in Colorado. His unwavering support for migrants comes as sanctuary cities across the U.S. prepare for potential federal confrontations.

Johnston Ready to Face Prison for Migrants

In an interview with Denver’s station 9, Johnston, 50, stated:

“I’m prepared to serve time in prison to stop any deportation attempts in Denver.”

Johnston vowed to deploy local law enforcement and rally 50,000 Denver residents to safeguard the city’s migrants. Referring to this collective resistance, he likened it to a “Tiananmen Square moment,” emphasizing the community’s determination to protect its vulnerable members.

Criticism Over Johnston’s Stance

While Johnston’s bold comparison to Tiananmen Square sparked praise from some, it also drew sharp criticism.

• Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of Mao’s revolution, called his analogy “ignorant” or “deliberately misleading.”
• Aurora councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky (R) described Johnston’s approach as ineffective and divisive.

Federal Response to Sanctuary Cities

The Trump administration has vowed to crack down on sanctuary cities like Denver.

• Tom Homan, Trump’s designated “border czar,” warned of lawsuits and funding cuts to sanctuary communities.
• Homan added that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would increase their presence in cities refusing to cooperate.

Despite the pressure, Johnston remained firm, stating:

“We won’t allow local law enforcement to aid in federal apprehensions of undocumented migrants.”

Elon Musk and Public Reactions

Elon Musk, newly appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), criticized Johnston’s stance, claiming it shows the Denver mayor’s disregard for his constituents.

Johnston, however, continues to double down on his promise to protect migrants, emphasizing Denver’s identity as a sanctuary city and its commitment to its residents, regardless of their immigration status.

As the debate over sanctuary cities intensifies, Johnston’s stand positions Denver at the heart of the fight between local resistance and federal immigration enforcement.